Summer Sewing Patterns: Women's Blouses, Tunics and Tops

This shirt has a bit of a Ren Fair meets Anthropologie vibe. Laura of Trash to Couture has shared a tutorial on how to turn a large button-down shirt into a summer favorite with just some elastic, a chain and basic sewing tools.

Check out the free tutorial at Trash to Couture.

Still love the ombre look? Yeah, we do, too. Oh, and since we’re talking about ombre, we're just going to leave this recipe for a violet ombre cake right here. Check out this dip dye video tutorial.

You don’t need to know how to crochet to make this beautiful summer garment. Drop by the thrift store for a crochet tablecloth and sew it into the cut-up sides of an old T-shirt. And if you already know your way around a hook, you might as well make yourself a pair of crochet shorts. See the crochet shirt sewing tutorial at Trash to Couture.

Remember when Zooey Deschanel more or less said she wanted to be a feminist and wear a Peter Pan collar? If you’ve got the first part down, we’ve got you covered with a free tutorial for the latter. Abigail can help you jazz up a tank top by adding an adorable collar and a bow. Add a bit of loose fabric to let in a nice summer breeze. Get instructions on how to sew this Peter Pan shirt at Much More Than the Birds.

Grab a stick of chalk, a pair of scissors and an old T-shirt. It can be that easy. Check out our post on ten ways for you to refashion old T-shirts, and be sure not to miss Life Is Beautiful’s convincing copy of Anthropologie’s pleated squeezebox top. No need to break the bank here! Here’s our post on 10 ways to refashion old T-shirts.

Speaking of pleats, check out the ones on this lovely tunic by Jessica of Me Sew Crazy. The vintage-inspired empire waist flatters many figures and layers well. To get the free shirt pattern, pop over to Me Sew Crazy.

Nothing says summer like blue skies — and this painted tunic made of two white T-shirts and some blue dye. Grab a wide belt to cover the middle seam. Get the free sewing tutorial at Freckles in April.